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Kamala Harris: Who She Is, Her Presidential Bid, and Her Vision for America's Future

Politics

July 28, 2024

Kamala Harris has achieved many firsts in her life. In 2011, she became the first African-American and South Asian American Attorney General in California; in 2016, she became the second African-American woman and first South Asian American U.S. Senator; and in 2021, she became the first female, African American, and South Asian American vice president and highest-ranking female official in U.S. history. In November, Americans will decide if she will become the first female president of color.

“What I want young women and girls to know is: You are powerful and your voice matters. You're going to walk into many rooms in your life and career where you may be the only one who looks like you or who has had the experiences you've had. But you remember that when you are in those rooms, you are not alone.

We are all in that room with you applauding you on. Cheering your voice. And just so proud of you. So you use that voice and be strong.” - Kamala Harris

Who is this inspiring, trailblazing woman who's anticipated to be nominated as America's new presidential candidate?

Image Credit: Buaidh from Wikimedia Commons

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Early Life

Kamala Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California. Her parents, both immigrants, one from India and the other from Jamaica, met at the University of California. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a cancer researcher from a family of Indian diplomats, while her father, Donald Harris, was a professor at Stanford University. As a child, Kamala frequently traveled to India while embracing her Black culture, with her family prioritizing her connection to all parts of her heritage.

“My mother understood very well that she was raising two black daughters...She knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as black girls and she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud black women."

Kamala Harris's 2019 biography, The Truths We Hold

After her parents divorced, Kamala and her sister Maya were raised by their mother. Kamala grew up in the era of the Civil Rights movement and went to several marches and protests with her mother.

When I was growing up, my parents were activists in the Civil Rights Movement. There’s something I remember from my childhood that really made me believe in the possibilities of our country — I saw people of all ages, all colors, all religions, all backgrounds, unified in their fight for justice. We must continue this today.”

Kamala Harris's 2016 Facebook Post

In 1986, Kamala attended Howard University and majored in political science and economics. She later earned her law degree from the University of California.

Image Credit: The United States Senate-Office of Senator Kamala Harris from Wikimedia Commons

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Career

After receiving her law degree, she worked at the Alameda County District Attorney's Office in 2014. At that office, she was the deputy district attorney. She was known for being a tough prosecutor as she often dealt with cases of gang violence, drug trafficking, and sexual abuse. In 2010, she was later recruited to work as the district attorney for the City of San Francisco.

In 2013, Kamala played a role in helping the same-gender marriage ban be overturned. She refused to defend a proposition that banned same-gender marriage which helped it gain more traction and get overturned a few years later. In 2014, she married one of her coworkers and fellow attorney, Doug Emhoff. Through her marriage with Doug, she became a stepmother to his children, Cole and Ella.

Image Credit: The White House from Wikimedia Commons

After her marriage, she was asked to campaign for a U.S. Senate seat previously held by Barbara Boxer. Her campaign focused on immigration, criminal justice reform, protection of women's reproductive rights, and increasing the minimum wage.

Image Credit: CSPAN from Wikimedia Commons

As a U.S. Senator, she worked on the Judiciary Committee and the Select Committee on Intelligence. Her tough prosecution style was noticed during her interrogation of witnesses and her firm stance on important issues.

During a high-profile hearing, she gained attention for questioning U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions about Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. This was significant mainly because she had previously asked him to resign.

Madame Vice President

In 2020, the world was on high alert as the COVID-19 virus spread out of control. Americans looked to their President for guidance. During a press briefing, most Americans were horrified as Donald Trump recommended they try drinking the harmful disinfectant Bleach to kill the virus. It was clear that with the election quickly approaching, America needed a new leader.

Americans were even more in need of that leader when Trump incited an insurrection in the Capitol building on January 6, 2021, leading to a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol, resulting in the deaths of four people.

Image Credit: Gage Skidmore from Wikimedia Commons

Joe Biden was chosen to be that leader. Unlike the last president, Biden seemed to understand the value of science, the law and brought about change. It also helped that his pick for Vice President was a woman of color.

Image Credit: The White House, and United States Senate from Wikimedia Commons

As Vice President, Harris pushed for Congress to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, visited a Planned Parenthood clinic in a historic first, oversaw the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, introduced the Maternal CARE Act and the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, and celebrated new electronics production in Kenosha, Wisconsin under the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Investing in America” agenda.

She also supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s investment in American-made materials and products and helped with the bill that made Juneteenth a federal holiday.

Presidential Candidate

In 2024, Americans grew increasingly concerned about President Joe Biden's health. Biden made history as the oldest President in American history. It didn't help that during a recent presidential debate against former President Donald Trump, he was at times incoherent.

At the same time, concerns about Project 2025, a concerning plan directly linked to Donald Trump and his campaign, were escalating. While former President Donald Trump has denied involvement, many on his campaign team are linked to Project 2025, which calls for sacking thousands of workers, expanding presidential power and immunity, dismantling the Department of Education, sweeping tax cuts, halting sales of the abortion pill, and more.

Image Credit: Gage Skidmore from Wikimedia Commons

In light of the approaching election in November, Joe Biden chose not to run for reelection and endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate. He listened to the American people and decided that if the Democrats had any shot at beating the convicted felon, former President Donald Trump, he would have to step down.

“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,"

"That is the best way to unite our nation."

President Joe Biden's statement on his decision to endorse Kamala Harris.

On July 21, in less than 24 hours, Democrats raised over $81 million in support of the new nominee. It became evident that Kamala is popular with the American people, especially the younger generations. She was trending on TikTok for her infamous coconut speech, her big laugh, and the hope she and her campaign are restoring in America.

“A New York Times/Siena poll found Harris up 18 points over Trump among voters under 30, while an Axios/Generation Lab poll showed her opening a 20-point lead over the former president.”

The Guardian's article “Gen-Z voters spread the ‘Kamalove’ as Harris’s popularity earns youth support.”

Image Credit: Gage Skidmore from Wikimedia Commons

Madame President?

Kamala is still in the early stages of her campaign and has yet to outline specific promises, but her campaign is set up as a prosecutor versus the felon, positioning her as a strong leader against her opponent, former President Donald Trump. In a recent meeting with the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, she pledged to help Americans retire, reduce gun violence, provide affordable healthcare, lower child poverty, forgive student loan debt, and save democracy.

Image Credit: Office of Senator Kamala Harris from Wikimedia Commons

“In this moment, I believe we face a choice between two different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, the other focused on the past,”

"And with your support, I am fighting for our nation’s future.”

Remarks given by Vice President Harris at a meeting with the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

Natalie-Olivia Corn
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Natalie-Olivia Corn is a junior at Harrison High School and the editor-in-chief of her school newspaper, the Husky Herald. She loves writing, reading, traveling, and listening to K-Pop. She is dedicated to sharing the most honest, and interesting stories that she can with her readers.

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